The Big Cat (1949)

The Big Cat (1949)
Rating: NR (Not Rated)
Runtime: 1h 18m
Genres: Adventure, Romance, Drama, Western
User Score: TBD

Overview
Set against the majestic backdrop of the American wilderness, The Big Cat follows a city boy who journeys to the small mountain town of his late mother’s origins. As he adjusts to rural life, he discovers that the community is under threat from a menacing cougar. The tension builds as the townsfolk grapple with survival and fear, while the boy learns to navigate the rugged outdoors, forms bonds with the locals, and even experiences young love.

With sweeping outdoor scenery, a mix of suspense, and heartwarming drama, the film delivers a classic blend of adventure and romance, culminating in a dramatic showdown between man and nature.

Director: Phil Karlson
Screenplay: Morton Grant, Dorothy Yost

UK Age Rating: Likely PG (Based on thematic content of peril and mild romance).
Star Rating: ★★★☆☆ (3/5)

Why Watch It?
Enjoy if you love classic western adventures with a touch of romance and a focus on humanity’s struggle against nature’s wildest challenges.

   

Peggy Ann Garner

Doris Cooper

Biography

Peggy Ann Garner (February 3, 1932 – October 16, 1984) was an American actress. As a child actress, Garner had her first film role in 1938. She won the Academy Juvenile Award for her work in A Tree Grows in Brooklyn.

Lon McCallister Danny Turner Biography Herbert Alonzo "Lon" McCallister Jr. (April 17, 1923 – June 11, 2005) was an American actor. According to one obituary, he was best known for "playing gentle, boyish young men from the country." Another said he "had an ingenuous appeal that made him a favourite of family audiences, and was particularly at home in outdoor settings featuring dogs and horses. Ultimately his perennial boyishness and slight stature became a handicap for more mature roles."

Preston Foster Tom Eggers Biography Preston Foster (August 24, 1900 – July 14, 1970) was an American stage and film actor, and singer. Foster entered films in 1929 after appearing as a Broadway stage actor. He was appearing in Broadway plays as late as October 1931 when he acted in a play titled Two Seconds starring Edward J. Pawley. Some of his notable films include: Doctor X (1932), I Am a Fugitive from a Chain Gang (1932), Annie Oakley (1935), The Last Days of Pompeii (also 1935), The Informer (1935) (as the head of the organization), and My Friend Flicka (1943). He starred on the television drama, Waterfront (1954–1955), playing the role of Captain John Herrick. Foster has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. He was sometimes credited in movies as Preston S. Foster. His first wife was stage actress Gertrude Warren (1926–1945; divorced). He had one daughter, Stephanie. He was married to his second wife, actress Sheila Darcy, from 1946 until his death. During World War II while serving with the United States Coast Guard, he rose to the rank of Captain, Temporary Reserve. He eventually held the honorary rank of Commodore in the U.S. Coast Guard. After the war and before his productive movie career, Foster became a singer of some note. In 1948 Foster created a trio with himself, Gene Leis and Foster’s wife, actress Sheila Darcy. Gene arranged the songs, and they played on radio and in clubs, appearing with Orrin Tucker, Peggy Ann Garner and Rita Hayworth.